Charlotte Again

   
 I am back I Charlotte for twenty four hours of basketball with Carter. Exams be damned, basketball must go on. The first game tonight was a winner against Charlotte Country Day, 53-33. I am naive enough about basketball to think that is was a great game, but Carter informed me that there were too many mistakes so it was not a wonderful game. It was better than a sharp stick in the eyeball far as I could tell.
I am not ready for Christmas. My shopping has been poor this year and I am unsure of exactly what I have for whom. What I do know is I have absolute nothing for Russ, just the way he likes it. Since I was coming to Charlotte for the games I thought I could do some shopping. I made my first stop at IKEA for a couple of things for Carter and a hostess gift or two. There is nothing at IKEA that Russ would like, save for some Swedish mustard and that is no gift.
Since I had two hours before the game I went to South Park Mall to see what I could find for Russ. Absolutely nothing was the answer. The only good news is I did not buy anything for myself. I did find some beautiful shoes at Neiman Marcus, but I am too old and practical to spend $795 on a pair of fancy flats. I did take a picture of them so I could look for a cheaper version someday.
After failing at shopping I went to the game where the tried and true DA parent supporters all showed up extra early and sat on the home team bleachers. I don’t think the nine of us took up too much space from the Country Day parents, but I will say we were quite vocal. One nice surprise was a great friend of Carter’s from camp, Morgan, who lives in Charlotte came to watch the game. It was a fun reunion for Carter. Morgan went to dinner with Carter and the team. 
Sadly the team was going to the mall to eat at the food court so it meant that I was back at the mall too. There is nothing worse than trying to find a parking space on Friday night in December at the mall. I can’t remember the last time I ate at a food court. I should have skipped going with the team and gone some place better since it was impossible to get a seat near the team. At least Morgan was able to sit with Carter and the team.  
I hope I have better luck in the morning doing some Christmas shopping, but since I have no idea where to go the chances are slim. Of course I’m really only here for the basketball.